Farmers Market Inspired Menu + Gathering

The summer entertaining season is upon us – at last it is time to open the windows, brush off the patio and invite your neighbors over for dinner outdoors. Time to raid the garden, or local market, for seasonal produce just off the vine and bunches of the freshest herbs available. Time to create a menu inspired by farmers market finds that not only wows your guests, but also minimizes time in the kitchen and maximizes time spent with friends around the table.

No summertime menu is complete without tomatoes. Tomatoes are a must have. Even with the smallest of gardens, you can grow at least one heirloom variety – if you are not blessed with a green thumb, not to worry, your local market most likely will carry more than enough to keep you stocked for the season. And to bring out the best in these gems of the garden – fresh herbs aplenty!

If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know I am all about outdoor entertaining, easy recipes and setting a gorgeous table, so I was floored when I recently came across the Tomato Cocoette from Staub which allowed me to have all three in one chic vessel! It’s the perfect container to cook and serve your farmers market inspired recipes. In fact, I was easily able to cook my Lemon + Baby Spinach Israeli Couscous and Tomatoes Provençale at one time, bring it from the oven to the table while keeping the food warm and also add that special piece to engage my guests in conversation while I was finishing up the remainder of the meal preparation.

Disclosure: I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, my opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

oh wow! This looks delicious. We just moved and have a farmer’s market near us now so I definitely need to pick up some tomatoes to try out this recipe!Kelly | Typically Simple recently posted…Peanut Butter S’mores

The Lemon + Baby Spinach Israeli Couscous looks so delicious. I am a huge fan of couscous so I am always looking for different ways to try and incorporate it into meals.Shelly recently posted…Insanity Instructor Certification

I absolutely love making trips to the farmer’s market! It’s so amazing what you can get for so cheap, plus it’s all SO FRESH. I’m growing tomatoes this year too and I can’t wait to start using them in my cooking!Taylor S. recently posted…Summer Reading List For Adults – Week One

Tomatoes are my favorite! I’m disappointed that our yard does not get any sun so I cannot grow my own. That recipe looks amazing and I’m going to try this this week while my mom is visiting. Thanks for sharing!Jen K recently posted…10 Minute Campfire S’mores

Your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing…I am such a meal planner that I get overwhelmed at the Farmer’s markets. If they don’t have the ingredient I need I get frustrated. But, you’ve inspired me to give another try!Roxanne recently posted…Simple Ways To Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

HI. I am Krayl, Author of AN APPEALING PLAN. Creator of seasonally inspired spaces, gatherings + recipes. Believer that friends, flowers + the right dishes make a meal taste better.
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